She could cry all she wanted.
She could kneel and beg, she could throw herself at his mercy. It would never be enough. Because Vanessa was still dead. And so was their child. And until he made sure Valeria Jayne felt the same pain he felt. This was far from over. Not even close. Valeria wants to genuinely apologize to the mourning parents of Vanessa. Valeria knelt on the cold tile floor, shivering. The sterilized smell of antiseptic mixed with the unbearable scent of death, hugging her in a noose. She could not breathe. Her swollen eyes stared at the lifeless body of Vanessa covered in a white sheet except on her face. A face that would never smile again, never speak, and never wake up.And next to her. Vanessa's parents. Her mother, her eyes red-rimmed, overflowing with tears, sat without speaking, her fingers curled around the edge of the steel table on which lay Vanessa. Her father slumped into his chair, shoulders collapsing as if the air had been sucked out of him. Their daughter was dead. Their grandchild was gone. Because of her. Valeria's hands burrowed into the freezing floor, every joint rattling as she bent forward, her forehead on the ground.
"I regret," she breathed. It was raw to the ear, her wisdom declaiming, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." The words felt meaningless.They weren't enough. Nothing would ever be enough. She sobbed, her fingers gripping the floor as if the weight of her guilt was going to crush her into dust. "Please."she begged. "Please. forgive me." Silence. A silence that cut deeper than any insult, any slap, any punishment.
Her mother opened her mouth on a soft, broken sob; her fingers knotted into a clutch on the sheet covering her daughter. He did not stir. He never stirred. The forgiveness was frigid. Valeria's fingernails bled into the palms of her hands as she raised her head a little. She let a few tears smear her eyes out of focus. "I realize that nothing I say-nothing I do- will ever put her back, but please if I could just trade my life for hers. If I only could-"
"You can't bring her back," he said once again, his hollow tone. "You can't undo what you did." Valeria's lip quivered. "I-""I don't care whether or not it was an accident," he cut in low and sharp, through the room like a blade. "I don't care about your regrets. My daughter is dead. My grandchild never had a chance to live. And you think kneeling here, crying, will change that?"
Valeria's breath caught in her throat. "I-" "No," he said coldly. Her heart shattered. His eyes bored into her, hollow yet full of rage simultaneously. "I have no forgiveness to give," he whispered. Valeria fell onto her back; her shoulders jerked violently. Fresh tears started falling down her face. Valeria clutched her chest as if something was breaking her inside. Through her tears, she whispered to herself, "I'm sorry." Vanessa's father turned away. And in that moment, Valeria knew. There would be no forgiveness. There would be no peace. There was only this. This endless nightmare. This endless punishment. This guilt that would bury her alive Meanwhile, a few feet away, Kc stood with the police, his fists clenched so tight, his nails cut into his palms "Mr. Page, the officer said his voice firm. "You need to understand the gravity of what you did today. Assaulting a patient, regardless of your grief, is still a crime." Kc heard him barely. His eyes locked onto Valeria. Her fragile, weak form trembled as she begged for forgiveness she would not receive. She had earned it. She had earned the pain. But still. That sight sent something in his chest twisting inside. He clenched his jaws, shoving off the feeling that had started inside. "Listen, Mr. Page?" a note of annoyance crept into the officer's voice. Kc snapped back to him. "I heard," he grunted, his face a mask. "Then you realize that if Miss Jayne decides to press charges-" Kc laughed. A bitter, humorless laugh. "Press charges?" he repeated. "Do you think I care?" The officer's lips pressed into a thin line. "Whether you care or not, the law is the law. And attacking a patient- "She is not pressing charges." The officer blinked. "You seem mighty confident of that." Kc's eyes flickered to Valeria, still kneeling on the floor like a broken doll. "She won't dare." The officer paused for a minute, then shrugged. "However that may be, you'd better calm down, Mr. Page. The loss of a daughter does not make you the judge and jury." Kc didn't respond. Because he knew. Justice? This wasn't about justice. This was about revenge. And he hadn't finished yet. Not even close. Not until Valeria learned what real suffering was. The officer gave him a long, hard look before speaking again. "For now, we won't press charges against you, but I suggest you walk away before this escalates further." Kc exhaled sharply, his hands still shaking. He wasn't done. But for now, he would wait. He turned away from the officers, his gaze falling on Valeria one last time. Still kneeling. Still crying. Still pathetic. His lips curled in disgust. "You can cry all you want," he said under his breath, too low for anyone to hear but him. "It won't bring her back." Then he turned his heel and left. Valeria lay there on the floor, numb and empty. She had begged. She had cried. She had given up everything she could in that moment. It wasn't enough. Not even a whisper from Vanessa's mother, or a word of rejection from her father. The merciless hatred in Kc's eyes. It all crashed down on her, drowning her under a stifling tide of shame and despair. Manager Kim finally fell beside her, his face pale and drawn. "Valeria. " he whispered. "Come on. Let's go." She didn't move. "Valeria, please," he begged softly, his hand reaching for her shoulder. "You have to get out of here." Slowly. agonizingly. Valeria pulled herself off the floor. Her knees collapsed. Her eyes blurred. But somehow, she managed to will herself to her feet. And as she walked out of the morgue-out of the place where she just faced the ultimate weight of her sins- She realized something. No matter where she went, no matter how far she ran… She would never escape this. This guilt. This pain. This unforgivable crime. And maybe… Maybe she didn't deserve to.It was a cold, harsh night.Valeria's legs crawled leadenly, her every step weighed with the burden of regret pressing against her chest. Her legs trembled under her, fighting to support her in the face of the suffocating pain inside her heart.When she came out of the morgue, her vision was downward-cast, the tears streaming out involuntarily veiling her sight. She had apologized but that was never enough. Never was anything going to be enough.With her, Manager Kim also came in silence. The usually composed and professional man appeared. shattered. He could see in Valeria the shreds of the woman he remembered—the woman who built an empire of beauty, elegance, and grace, now nothing but a hollow, shaking shell.The parking lot lay before her, lit by the cold glow of the streetlights. The finished, black cars, the polished, shiny cars, only made her think about what she had lost—and what she had gained. The life of an innocent woman. The life of an unborn child.But there was somethi
Manager Kim retreated, his distrustful eyes widening. His mind reeled trying to understand what she'd stated. "You're telling me someone did this intentionally Valeria?"Valeria nodded, went back to sobbing. "Yes. I did not know. I did not know it too late. Now I—I know what they've done. I could have been stopped, I swear to, Manager Kim. I tried to, I had to, but it wasn't enough. Now. now they are dead."Her crying tore across the still night, and her entire body tensed with the weight of the world."Valeria…" Manager Kim whispered, his voice weighed with sympathy. "Who would do this to you? Who would want to destroy you?"Valeria winced, her own face mirroring the desperation within. "I don't know what happen… but I didn't do it. I didn't do it Manager Kim," Valeria stuttered, her voice shaking.She again shuddered from him and screamed at the top of her voice.Valeria's sobs shook her body as her words became more hysterical, fractured, frantic. The weight of her shame, the crush
He took a deep breath, his eyes focusing slightly. "We have to go, Valeria. We have to get back to the hotel. There is nothing more that can be done here."Valeria's head shook. Her body racked in sobs. "I cannot go back. I cannot leave. I cannot see people. I don't deserve to exist after all I have done." She sounded a note of agony. "I killed them. I killed them, and I can never restore them back."Manager Kim didn't say anything for a second. He allowed her to cry, allowed her to have her words drowned out in tears. But he couldn't let her lose herself entirely."Listen to me," he told her, his tone firm but quiet. "You don't get to choose your destiny today. The world will judge you for what you've done, but you don't get to take your life, either. There's still more that you have to do, Valeria. You need to make things right. You need to face what's ahead, whether you want to or not."Valeria looked up at him, her expression twisted with anguish. "I don't know how to meet it," sh
Justice. He was close to laughing at the very word. What did justice mean anymore, really? What did it serve to punish Valeria when nothing ever would have restored Vanessa to the world? To think of sitting in front of her once again in court, watching her plead for mercy and crying, made him all the angrier.But sitting there, the chill of his thoughts bearing down on him, another voice called out in his mind. His friend Liam's voice."Kc, you need to let go. This rage. it'll consume you. You've got to think about what's remaining. Don't give her the satisfaction."It was so difficult to listen to Liam, to hear him speak of moving on when the future Kc had envisioned was now empty. His dreams, his aspirations—they were all lost. And no amount of Valeria's apologies, no amount of times she kneeling by him, was going to restore his family.How could you do this?" Kc muttered to himself, desperation in his voice.He needed to scream at the world. He needed to protest the injustice of it
Kc turned his head, not able to see them. "But I do. When I close my eyes, I think of her. I think of her on that hospital bed, her face so white. so cold. I let her down. I let her and our baby down."Vanessa's father took a deep breath, his face in folds of agony. "We all loved her. And we all miss her, Kc. But you can't let this guilt consume you. You can't let it gnaw at you. We're all together here. We're all hurting, but you're not alone here.We are always here for you."Kc flinched at the idea, his arms supporting with emotion. "How am I going to live now that I know this? Knowing someone else did this to me? Stole her from me?" His eyes flared, the words bitter on his tongue. "How am I going to forgive her for it?"There was quiet, the sound being only the wind rushing through the leaves. Vanessa's dad stepped forward, his tone rough but kind. "Because forgiving is the only thing that's going to make you whole, son. Clinging to that anger—clinging to the fury you harbor—isn't
Kc nodded slowly, the heaviness of their words seeping into him. It wouldn't be easy. It wouldn't be quick. But perhaps, and this was possibly the most terrible thing he might ever hope to do, if they were holding his hand alongside him, then he could start to heal. Perhaps he would learn to forgive himself—later. Because at this moment he knew he could not remain anchored in the deep well of hurt and guilt and pain forever. He couldn't allow that anger to engulf him. Not if he wanted to remember Vanessa.If he wanted to keep her alive in his head, not really. Kc replied in a whisper, sounding far less charged now, with tears still flowing down his face, only now they were a bit softer. "I don't know where to start... But I'll try. I will try for her. I will try for all of us."Vanessa's dad placed a hand on Kc's shoulder, his grip strong, unyielding. "That's all we can hope for, Kc. One day at a time.And in that moment, standing there as Kc was, among the two people who had loved Va
Valeria stumbled into her condo unit, her legs betraying her as she closed the door behind her. The sound of the lock clicking into position echoed through her lavish living room. But none of the extravagance, none of the class, none of the sparkling chandeliers was relevant. None of it was relevant when the weight of her guilt was closing in on her chest.Seated on the ground, her body shattered with sobbing, her cheeks glimmering with tears, the picture of Vanessa's parents, their faces wrought with sorrow, their very features wracked with suffering, was etched forever in her consciousness. Kc's rage, the rage in his eyes, haunted her. His rage had enveloped her like shrouds, pulling her toward a darkness that she could not escape."Your killed her. Your killed my wife. Your killed my child."His words rang out in her mind, persistent and vicious. She could still sense the lash of his words, the gaze he had given her as if she were a beast. And perhaps she was. Perhaps she had earne
Kim nodded, his voice firm. "Then we'll find out the truth. We'll find out who did this. And when we do… we'll make them pay."Valeria's heart beat fiercely, combined with fear and resolve coursing through her veins. The weight of the promise was smothering but then it was the only thing she could hold on to. Kim's words were a light in the hopelessness that had surrounded her life."But what if." Valeria's words quivered as she hesitated, her eyes cast downward,". what if it's too late? What if Kc already has the choice made regarding me? What if no matter what we do, I'll never escape this?"Kim stepped in closer, his expression kind but with a hardness she so desperately required. "Valeria, you can't think like this. You had no option. Nobody could have foreseen what occurred. But now, we must concentrate on the truth. We must ensure the correct man pays.Valeria's breath was stuck in her throat as she looked into Kim's eyes, his eyes unfaltering. For the first time in days, a gli
The morning wind had been dry and bitter.Kc stood at the lip of the helicopter pad, the blade he'd honed now sheathed at his back. His team stood beside him—Ty, Reina, Dax—battle-hardened, quiet, clad in armor from head to toe. This wasn't a mission like any other. This was the endgame.Valeria stood at his side, her eyes blazing with determination. She was dressed in tactical equipment fitted to her body, streamlined and quiet, a pistol at her hip, and a knife in her boot."You ready?" Kc asked without turning to look at her.Valeria nodded. "I've been ready since the day he tried to kill us.""No," Kc turned to her, his eyes sweeping hers. "I mean really ready. For what we might find."You mean… what's left of him?" she breathed.He paused. "There's part of me that wants him dead. Just a body to tell the nightmare is over. But if he lives—if he's changed—we can't risk pause."Valeria came forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "Then let's make the nightmare end tonight.The hel
The sun was barely rising, throwing a pale gold over the tops of the sea. The island still showed the wounds from last night's war—charred leaves, discarded shell casings littering the ground like abandoned tales. But in the small wooden hut under the cliffs, Kc and Valeria huddled in the quiet of survival.Valeria shifted, wrapped in the sheets, her head on Kc's chest. She felt the slow thud of his heart, powerful and unyielding, like a promise. The cuts on his body were a chart of all the fights they had engaged in—together."Couldn't sleep?" she whispered, her throat dry."I did," Kc replied, running his fingers through her hair. "But every time I closed my eyes, I was seeing you bleeding again. I was seeing him smiling through the fire."Valeria's fists gripped the blanket's edge. "He's dead. You saw that yourself.""Ah," Kc growled. "And yet. something inside me refuses to let me rest."She leaned up and eyed him, her eyebrows creased. "You think he's alive Kc?""I do not know. M
MEANTIME.The acrid smell of smoke hung over everything, flavored with ash and copper.Buried under the fallen beams and broken glass of the compound they had believed was reduced to rubble, a body moved.Coughing. Gasping. Shrouded in blood but alive.Sebastian's eyelashes fluttered up, visible only under a layer of dirt and smoke. Every bone in his frame rebelled, every muscle twisting with agony—but he lived. Somehow. Lived.He tried to voice a word, but a harsh croaking emerged from his lips.Then—a figure. Lean, set in shadows, moving across the smoldering detritus like a specter."Bad luck," the man panted, kneeling beside Sebastian's broken form.Sebastian's gaze went icy. "Who…""I'm Lazarus," the man replied with a twisted grin. "And I rather think we have an enemy in common."Sebastian spat blood. "They think I'm dead."Lazarus drew closer to him, voice frosty and distant. "Let them. It's best.""Why. help me?" Sebastian snarled, agony tightening each word."Because, Sebasti
The tempest raging outside had vanished, but the tempest raging within them had just begun to cease.In the faint light of the little room, bandages swathed and guns lying next to the bed, Kc and Valeria were entwined in each other's arms. The smell of rain, smoke, and salt still clung to their skin. Her slow hands caressed the reddening bruises on his ribs, his hand on the nape of her neck as if she would disappear if he released it.They both understood each other's mind without a word. There was no space between them for secrets, fear, or doubt anymore. Only common breaths in silence and heartbeats keeping time neither of them wanted to spend without.Valeria looked up at him with thick lashes, her voice barely above a whisper. "You still shake."Kc's jaw clenched, but he spoke the truth. "I still see it… the fire, your scream, the way you fell. I see it every time I blink."Her lips grazed the curve of his throat. "And I see you bleeding. Holding me like the world could end and yo
Batting her hand away he moved down and began to flicker his tongue upon her clit. This had the effect of making her moan louder and move to get her sensitive clit deeper onto his tongue. Pleased that it worked, He moved away and let her pleasure subside."No! Don't stop! Please, Kc!""Did you want more?" he asked already knowing her response.Her eyes widened at the response. It was unbelievable to her. Didn't he know how good he made her feel?"Yes! Yes! Of course, you wonderful fool!"Smiling, he crawled over her and kissed her deeply. At first she was somewhat reluctant but then melted into him. Her love for him reached out and embraced his passionate fire. She reached around him with her arms and pulled him to her, their hot skins touching.As she pulled him closer to her, Kc positioned his cock into her wet cunt. It was so slippery only his tip entered her. Valeria didn't respond at first but softly moaned and kissed him deeper as he began to enter her. Deeper and deeper we went
"Give it to me! Please...I want it but please be gentle." "I will no worries," Kc had to admit he wanted her too. Nothing would satisfy him more than plunging deep into her. Feeling every sweet drop of her wetness on his skin and to also feel her warm silken folds wrapping him and welcoming his presence. But his ultimate goal was to lavish her with an abundance of foreplay before the consummation of their mutual love. Torn by the conflict between his loving heart and his wanton lust he decided to compromise."Ok. But just a little bit. You don't want to spoil your appetite."Adjusting his position over her, Kc placed his cock between her moist pussy lips. Its hot tip parted her skin and delved into its silky wetness. Her breath came in short gasps as she felt every inch of his hard manhood slide into her. Deeper and deeper he plunged. The warm satisfying embrace of her sweet womanhood was like paradise to him. It seemed that the ecstasy would never end. Then his long shaft stopped a
Valeria sat upon the edge of the bed and positioned Kc between her open legs. She could already see the large bulge protruding through his pants. It was hard to miss being level with her head. Rubbing it with her hands she could feel the long length of his shaft. It was warm and stiff. Each glide of her hand brought deep stirring sounds from her lover's lips. His deep moans touched her deep inside. She hoped she could give him as much as he had been giving her.Finding his pants button, she pulled it open and pulled his pants down. She could not help but hurry. Her lust was a wanton beast craving its meal. His hard cock strained against his underwear. It looked almost comical being too large to fit inside them. She tucked her fingers into his waistband and firmly holding it tugged them down.The sight of it was awe-inspiring. His large thick cock bobbed free of its prison. It stood proudly before her, warm and inviting. She stroked its shaft in long smooth glides. His skin was hot. She
"I love you"Valeria utteredKc gazed into her eyes and responded, "I love you too."He leaned forward and kissed her passionately. Their lips met, she raised herself on her arms and pulled him tighter. Their flames fueled by the embrace, Kc decided to advance his passion. His tongue pierced through her mouth looking for its match, to discover it in turn. For eternal, wonderful moments they remained so clasped together. Only the pulsing of their hearts counted in their eternal universe.Valeria withdrew from Kc in a flash. She stood panting and backed away from him. Her breath was struggling to catch up with her. She gazed intensely into his wondering eyes. His watery, soft eyes were rich and dark like good brandy. She was losing herself in his stare. She moved her face aside bashfully."I don't believe what you do to me. No one ever did these things to me before."KC leaned forward and tilted her chin towards him. He stared intensely into her eyes. Valeria seemed to shiver in his han
MEANWHILE | UNKNOWN LOCATIONSebastian's breathing was rasps.He was taped to an infirmary bed, veins punctured with IVs, chest stitched in coarse layers under industrial lights that hummed like flies.The stranger—Lazarus—stood in the corner, arms crossed."You're healing faster than I expected."Sebastian's one good eye slashed at him. "They think I'm dead."Lazarus waved his hand. "Yes. Let them. Let them mourn, let them love, let them forget how frightened they were."Sebastian snarled in his voice. "And then we take it all.""No." Lazarus's smile was cold. "You take it all. I'm just the man who'll get you there."Sebastian's fingers trembled. "Kc Page… that bastard stole my ability."Lazarus stepped forward. "And now you steal his peace. But this time, we don't break in from the outside. This time… we rip them from the inside out."BACK IN THE SAFEHOUSE | NIGHTFALLKc slept next to Valeria, observing the rise and fall of her chest. The storm had passed by outside. There was quiet.